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NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera was all set up to save his final All-Star game — or so it seemed.

Jim Leyland just wasn't about to take that chance.

Summoned in the eighth inning to make certain he would pitch, Rivera soaked up a 90-second standing ovation and got three straight outs while helping the American League to a 3-0 victory over the National League on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

"I think the plan was perfect," said Rivera, who took home the MVP trophy.